The CIMP Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation (CIMP Foundation), Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), in collaboration with WaterAid India, will convene a High-Level Policy Dialogue on “Drinking Water Supply for Small Towns: Way Forward for Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” on Friday, 25th September 2026, from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM at its CIMP Campus, Patna.
Over the last decade, Bihar has made unprecedented investments in urban drinking water infrastructure through the Mukhyamantri Shahri Peyjal Nishchay Yojana, expanding decentralised piped water supply across small and medium towns. Today, more than 80 percent of urban households have access to piped potable water infrastructure an achievement that marks a turning point in Bihar’s urban water journey.
Prof. Dr. Rana Singh, Director, CIMP said, “Bihar has made remarkable progress in expanding piped water infrastructure, but the true test lies ahead: ensuring reliable, safe, and sustainable services for every household. This Policy Dialogue is not just about water systems; it is about building resilient institutions, empowering small towns, and creating citizen-responsive governance. At CIMP, we are proud to convene this collective reflection with WaterAid India and our partners, to shape actionable pathways for the future of Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal.”
With infrastructure largely in place, the challenge now shifts from coverage to sustainable service delivery. The Dialogue will provide a platform for policymakers, government officials, sector experts, academic institutions, practitioners, and development partners to deliberate on the next generation of reforms needed to ensure reliable, safe, affordable, and citizen-responsive water services in Bihar’s small towns.
Kumod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer, CIMP and Chairperson, CIMP Foundation said, “This Policy Dialogue will reflect Bihar’s transition from building infrastructure to ensuring sustainable service delivery. At CIMP, we believe that small towns must be empowered with the right institutional support, financial systems, and citizen engagement mechanisms to make Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal truly effective. By bringing together policymakers, experts, and practitioners, we aim to co-create practical solutions that strengthen reliable and safe drinking water services for every household.”
Key focus areas include:
- Service delivery standards and measurable performance indicators
- Institutional arrangements for small-town governance
- Operation & Maintenance models and financial sustainability
- Water quality assurance and public health safeguards
- Source sustainability, groundwater management, and climate resilience
- Digital monitoring and citizen engagement for accountability
The Dialogue will be structured around thematic sessions, including Bihar’s urban water supply journey, challenges in small towns, strengthening O&M and financial sustainability, water quality and source resilience, and a concluding policy roundtable to chart the way forward.
Senior representatives from the Municipal Commission, UDHD, BUIDCo, will also participate, bringing institutional perspectives to the discussion.
This convening underscores Bihar’s commitment to moving beyond infrastructure coverage towards sustainable, reliable, and citizen-centric water service delivery under the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal mission.
